Motorists Don’t “Practice What They Preach”

Thursday’s Pos 1.13.12 –The American Automobile Association (AAA) surveyed the connection between a persons driving advice and what those same drivers do when they actually drive their cars. The survey determined as many as 8 out of 10 drivers do not drive secured by a seat belt. These same drivers do not encourage their passengers to drive with a Safety Belt. Sadly; this includes their own children and other youthful occupants. Although there is wide support for the use of seat belts, nearly 25% claimed they have driven without seat belts on occasion. Another 20% say they have driven without any safety restraints on a regular basis. Although every driver surveyed stated driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime and those whom do should be severely punished including jail a licensed revocation, 75% of all drivers have driven their car, truck, boat or motorcycle after having too much to drink. 15% of these same people admit to driving drunk at least one time in the previous year. Most shocking; 20% of those surveyed admitted they had driven under the influence of drugs or alcohol in the last month. The AAA says these statistics show law enforcement needs to be much harder on these drivers whom don’t adhere to the rules of the road and put other drivers and pedestrians in harm’s way. Auto Insurance Carriers, treat DUI with out and accident like a speeding ticket 20 miles over the speed limit. These same Car Insurance companies must treat theses event more seriously. Auto Insurance Rates associated with a DUI or DWI should deter the insurance customer, not just inconvenience them. The AAA feels even one death on our U.S. Roads and highways is too much. Although recent statistics prove a lower level of these incidents, there is a serious car accident every 15 minutes in which someone dies. Another huge issue is driving when you are tired. Another AAA Survey shows 30% of all drivers admitted to driving while when drowsiness. This number is contrasted with the same respondents beliefs that driving while tired is unsafe and that half of those said drowsy driving presents a very serious risk to drivers and others.